Wagons and hatchbacks are known for offering superlative utility. Many choices in this segment boast generous cargo capacity, providing ample room even for larger packages. Additionally, the rear hatchback door that is a hallmark of each of these models provides easy access to the cargo area, and facilitates hassle-free loading and unloading.
Certain models in this segment also shine when it comes to passenger accommodations. For tall drivers, front passenger room is the one attribute that has the greatest impact on seating comfort. Comprised of front headroom, front hiproom and front legroom, this measurement sheds light on how roomy the cabin is for the person seated behind the wheel.
These 13 models (our list is longer than the usual 10 due to ties) are the hatchbacks and wagons with the most front passenger room. Our list includes choices such as the versatile Subaru Outback, the sporty Ford Focus ST, the fuel-efficient Ford C-Max Hybrid, the stylish Hyundai Veloster and the affordable Mazda 3.
Our rankings are based on an average of headroom, hiproom and legroom, and all measurements shown are in inches. While all three of these dimensions are available for most models, in a few cases, there's only partial availability of the data. As you'd expect, our list includes only those models that present all the measurements used to determine our rankings.
Although measurements can help you narrow your pool of candidates, the best way to see if a vehicle suits your frame is to actually spend some time sitting in the cabin. Take a test-drive before committing to a purchase.
Also, know that a sunroof will lop inches off your vehicle's headroom. As such, it's a feature that taller drivers may want to avoid.
Once you've decided on a vehicle, you may be able to simplify your transaction by making your purchase via Edmunds.com's Price Promise® program.
Front headroom: 46.9
Front legroom: 40.3
Front hiproom: 54.6
Front interior room: 47.3
2. 2014 Ford C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid (tie)
Front headroom: 41.0
Front legroom: 43.1
Front hiproom: 54.3
Front interior room: 46.1
2014 Subaru Outback (tie)
Front headroom: 40.8
Front legroom: 43.0
Front hiproom: 54.5
Front interior room: 46.1
Front headroom: 41.8
Front legroom: 40.8
Front hiproom: 55.5
Front interior room: 46.0
4. 2014 Honda Crosstour (tie)
Front headroom: 39.5
Front legroom: 42.2
Front hiproom: 55.3
Front interior room: 45.7
2014 Lincoln MKT (tie)
Front headroom: 40.1
Front legroom: 41.3
Front hiproom: 55.7
Front interior room: 45.7
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback (tie)
Front headroom: 40.3
Front legroom: 43.5
Front hiproom: 53.4
Front interior room: 45.7
5. 2014 Ford Focus ST (tie)
Front headroom: 39.1
Front legroom: 43.1
Front hiproom: 53.9
Front interior room: 45.4
2014 Hyundai Veloster (tie)
Front headroom: 39.0
Front legroom: 43.9
Front hiproom: 53.2
Front interior room: 45.4
6. 2014 Ford Focus (tie)
Front headroom: 38.3
Front legroom: 43.7
Front hiproom: 53.9
Front interior room: 45.3
2014 Kia Rio (tie)
Front headroom: 40.0
Front legroom: 43.8
Front hiproom: 52.1
Front interior room: 45.3
2014 Mazda 3 (tie)
Front headroom: 38.6
Front legroom: 42.2
Front hiproom: 55.2
Front interior room: 45.3
2014 Toyota Venza (tie)
Front headroom: 39.6
Front legroom: 40.2
Front hiproom: 56.0
Front interior room: 45.3
